Hahaha! It took me ::counts:: way too long to write this, and I managed to put it off for months (although I've had it all the time), but I'm finally posting part two! Enjoy, 'cause I'm really lazy and installments come... whenever I feel like it! Don't you just love to hate me?

Archive Rights: Um... if you want it, just ask. I'm a ham for endorsement on sites other than my own.

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Last week, as you all know, I had an interview with the (in)famous Lina Inverse. The next person on my list, Gourry Gabriev, was much easier to find. In fact, he's the leader (I guess you could call him the king) of Neo-Sairaag, and his wife is number three on my Slayers cheat-sheet. I'm on my way to their kingdom (though they call it a republic) as I write, impatiently waiting my arrival. From what Lina told me, these two are amazing. Almost there!

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When I met Gourry, the tales of the knights in shining armor that turned out to be princes was the first thing that flashed through my mind.

And then there was Sylphiel- who could've guessed there was a human alive that polite? I couldn't have.

As I approached them (I had contacted them earlier for permission), they greeted me with open arms and a lot of smiling faces.

All five children (Alexi, Otaru, Carmen, Lily, and Lina) had the manners of their mother, and I was extremely pleased to be in their company. I was constantly amazed at the values that their parents had taught them. I don't think I'll ever be able to think of royalty as snobby again after meeting them.

My interview with Gourry took place first. I asked him a few things like, "how did you join the group?" and he spoke to me like I was an old friend.

We talked for an hour while Sylphiel took a walk around the city with the children, and when she came back we all played a game of tag in the public gardens. I kind of wished my family had been this close when I was a kid.

I also took lots of pictures, some for the magazine, but most for myself and the memory of this I wanted. I don't think I've ever had such an enjoyable assignment.

I reluctantly bid them adieu, though they asked me to stay another day and go on a picnic with them. I would've loved that, but I had more names to cross off, and I had a good feeling about the next one.

Until next time, Sarah Banner.

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"Where is he?" Filia asked.

"He said he'd be here. He's probably just nervous," Jiras said.

"Stony's not coming," Xellos said as he popped in.

"And you talked to him, namagomi?" Filia asked.

"Fi-chan, I love it when you talk dirty."

Filia smacked him one with Mace-sama.

"Yes," Xellos continued, "He said he had to go to Atlas City."

"Wow. I was expecting you to say 'Sore wa himitsu desu'." Jiras pointed out.

Xellos froze and his eyes widened (which pretty much means they opened).

The stream of profanities had most int he restaurant crying, except a few sailors in the back, who raised their glasses in a proud salute.

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Zelgadis was thinking about his conversation with Xellos.

The fruitcake hadn't teased him at all, a rarity.

He pulled the magazine out of his pocket again and read through the article the third time that day.

The journalist wasn't very talented, but she was a great photographer.

He sped up his pace a bit more.

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Hahaha! What did you think? Pretty short for my coming back piece (I'll explain soon just iwhy/i I went on hiedas (is that how it's spelled? I doubt it)), but I think it's a little less corny than part one. Anyway, r/r. Domo.